First, the batting lineup. 1. Jeimer Candelario, 3B. Well, someone has to bat leadoff and in his first full season in the majors, he has shown power and the ability to draw a walk. Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

And when the team makes a final decision on James McCann’s fate, the answer could have more to do with Grayson Greiner than McCann.

Greiner’s offseason, however, has gotten off to an inauspicious start.

After complaining of right wrist soreness following his first Dominican Winter League game, Greiner returned to the United States and was evaluated in Lakeland, Fla. The diagnosis: A small bone chip in his right wrist, which will be surgically removed next week. The recovery time is three-to-four weeks.

Greiner, 26, held his own during his rookie season. Despite hitting .219 in 96 at-bats, Greiner was impressive behind the plate, showing the ability to handle the pitching staff well.

Coupled with McCann’s struggles, Greiner’s performance adds to the idea that the Tigers could move on. According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the industry’s authoritative voice on arbitration projections, McCann is projected to receive $3.5 million in his second season of eligibility, up from last season's $2.375,000.

McCann, 28, hit .220 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 2018. In four full seasons with the Tigers, he has yet to develop into the quality catcher they have hoped.

“Obviously, he’s struggled a bit this year,” general manager Al Avila said last month. “But he’s a veteran guy, he handles the pitching staff great and he’s been durable.

Detroit Tigers catcher Grayson Greiner celebrates after scoring during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sept. 4, 2018 in Chicago.(Photo11: Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports)

“Obviously, we wish that he could hit a little bit more. I think that there’s still something in there. I think there’s more potential in there, but he’s getting to that point now where he’s getting close to free agency and starting to make a little bit more money, so we have to make a tough decision on him.”

Therein lies the core of the Tigers’ decision: Is McCann’s durability — and leadership — worth $3 million for a team that is not likely to compete next season?

There are some who believe, like Avila, that McCann has more to give offensively. Though the days have passed on McCann carrying significant trade value, established big league catchers are hard to find: Despite his performance, McCann is certainly one of the 60 best catchers in baseball.

It does not seem likely that the Tigers will retain him with the hopes of trading him next season, though, similar to what they did with shortstop Jose Iglesias. The trade market is far too cold to spend millions on a player who likely won’t have a market.

Greiner’s injury doesn’t figure to impact McCann’s immediate future with the team, but it could force the team to take a closer look at the insurance a player like McCann affords, and if that is worth the raise he is set to receive this season.